Deryn Evans finds it hard to switch off from his role as Chair of Builth Wells YFC, ensuring his 24 members get the same experiences he has enjoyed for the past 16 years.
To give back to an organisation that has given me so much, and to help provide members with the same fantastic opportunities I had.
To lead the club and make sure every member has the opportunity to get involved, whether that's through club nights, activities, training, socials, or competitions.
Honestly, it's a challenge. I don't think I ever really switch off from YFC – there's always something to organise, whether it's social media, club nights or answering messages. It's about being realistic with your time and making sure it doesn't take over (which is a lot easier said than done)
Definitely confidence. I think that’s a given with everything you do in YFC - but as Chair, I think my leadership and organisational skills have improved significantly. Being responsible for a group of members teaches you a great deal.
Being quite small, we run all our activities as one club, helping our members to mix and learn from each other. We try and keep club nights fun and entertaining, and if we need to have a club meeting, we’ll always try and tag an activity on to it, so you know there’s something to look forward to following.
As a club, we're active on social media, which really helps spread the word. We also attend community events, where we can showcase what YFC is all about, and our members are also great at spreading the word.
We hold a pizza and planning evening at the start of the year to get members views on what they'd like to see. As officers, we then build the programme around competitions and events and try to book activities in bulk to make planning easier.
Anything that involves food is always a hit, but besides that, one of my favourite club nights was 'The Cube', based on the TV show. It was simple to run, got everyone involved and was a lot of fun.
Having such a young membership. As a 28 year old it’s hard to know what members enjoy when trying to plan club nights and activities. I think asking members directly about what they would like to see is the best way to overcome this, and also gets members involved in the planning process.
Make the most of it. I'm incredibly proud to be Chair of such an amazing club and, with only a year left in YFC, it's sad to know I'll soon be passing on the reins. Take every opportunity, don't be afraid to make mistakes, learn, and enjoy it – that's what YFC is all about.
If you would like to be featured in NFYFC's club officer check in, email media@nfyfc.org.uk. Find more information and guidance for club officers in the YFC Handbook.
